The 4 boat theory

[ocuyler]

Chris,

I think we should qualify the details of the 4 boat theory for those folks who think we're nuts or rich (yea, that's it).

First, an inflatable with a motor counts as a boat, although it's probably arguable. A kyack or canoe counts too, but if you have all three, it still only counts as one.

Second, there is a definate need for a "pocket rocket". That why I'm lusting over a Whaler Outrage 15 like yours. Can you put a 115 on that? I sold my 11' with 25 hp, so lookout!

Third, we all have to have a SeaCraft. Any SeaCraft. Well, I have 2 SeaCrafts, but that brings me to the 4th point.

Forth, we should all have a back-up project boat, preferably a SeaCraft. Since we're all learning so much about about restoring these babies, you can't just stop with one, can you?

Last, but not least, boats that you float with you in the bathtub don't count. Even if you put a tiny, tiny SeaCraft logo on it.


This should not be confused with the loser's 4 boat theory where you just defaulted on your 4th boat and the lenders all shut you off.

[ May 26, 2003, 11:43 PM: Message edited by: Otto Cuyler ]

[Mark]

"...Thats why I'm lusting over a Whaler Outrage 15 like yours. Can you put a 115 on that?..."

Otto, you have been reading this site long enough to know that the appropriate question would have been "what kind of twins on a floatation bracket after closing the transom would be best?..."

I'm thinking that twin 150's on that 15' would yield a very respectable top-end [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[John R]

I subscribe to a different 4 boat theory:

1) - A little hefty for a Yak but an inflatable counts as 1

2) - You need a "small" boat for running the 'lets and the upper bay & skinny water - say a 18 or so with bow mounted electric SALTWATER troller (guys - these things are the cat's nuts!). This boat is kept on the trailer ready to go at a moments notice.

3) - Now we're in the meat of things, we have a hull that can run in the snot or run offshore 50 miles if need be, doesn't pound when a SouWest builds up - I give you the 23 SC

4) - "Whaddya mean you won't use a bucket anymore?". "Shower? Before you were complaining til I dropped money for the spray rails". It's now time for that 30 Blackfin or old Moppie to round at the stable. Sure, it spends most of its time at the slip (near the fuel dock) but if the stars & moon are in alignment, it's where you'll wake up from to run over to your 23 to hit the bite at first light!

This is the 4 Boat I subscribe too and I'm 1/4 of the way there [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

[squidrig]

Checking the fly paper to see what's stickin'...the Moppie is a name from the past. Obviously a great hull...a proven offshore machine. Made me think about Bert's and how legendary they are. I know there is a 31' Bertram website but why not a moppie website? Kind of makes me feel selling the old Bert' for my favorite "bad larry(sc)" was a good move [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] .

[FELLOW-SHIP]

I go to the Florida Keys every year for a week will about 5 years ago when I was down in Key West I was looking at pictures from a street vender’s booth. The title said “Fisherman’s Hell Choose One” there was a picture of a fisherman with rods in hand standing at a booth with the Devil on the other side of the counter. The Fisherman could only chose ONE out of two items for his fishing trip. The choice was either to choose BEER or BAIT well there was the fisherman struggling with as all of us guys now realize would be a terrible decision to have to make. This thread reminds me of that picture. “CHOOSE ONE” it seems that there are at least 5 or maybe more types of boats that a guy has to “choose one” from some for inshore like a flats boat, or a bay boat, or maybe a light off shore boat, or maybe a medium 2 motor boat or a boat that can take us 60+ miles out like a sports fisherman. I have struggled with “CHOOSE ONE” question my whole life and then after you chooses then you got to accept your limitations.
Fellow-Ship 23’ CC SeaCraft [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[Finster]

That reminds me of my company this weekend. My friend asks me "whats the best boat I should buy", now without going into the whole 4 boat theory and pulling out the 8x10 glossies and lazer pointer I basiclly told him "thats an impossible question and anyone thats asks such a stupid question should stay away from boats altogether" [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Otto, I think it should be noted that bath toy's do not qualify, although under certain conditions it could be deamed acceptable. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[cSickNick]

My wife's 4 boat theory(having made the general qualifications for #1 and #3) is that if you purchase a "small" boat (qualification #2), you are going to need a "large" boat (qualification #4) to live in when i kick your a$$ out!!!!!

So, i will stay with the 2 boat theory (plus 1 motorcycle theory) ..... at least for now ...

[ScottM]

My 4 boat theory falls directly in line with John's. I guess some could also call it the "if I won the lottery tomorrow" 4 boat theory. Kayak, 17-18' skiff (Whaler or similar), 23' SC, and 32' Blackfin.

Speaking of "what's the best boat I should buy", did any of you read Barry Gibson's editorial in Saltwater Sportsman a couple months ago about "what is the prettiest boat"? Talk about opening Pandora's box! He followed up again this month since the response was so overwhelming, and he sure took a tongue lashing. Boats are way too subjective a thing to answer such an objective question. I don't know what he expected to accomplish other than getting a rise out of the readership. By the way, did any CSC members chime in with their vote for the SC 23?

[Ed]

My four boat dream looks like this...

1) 16' aluminum (like Steve Irwin) for fishing in close to the rocks and surf because if you do happen to hit the rocks and poke a hole and sink....who cares... it is just a glorified soda can right???

2) Everyday boat.....My Mako 231 is hard to beat and nice on teh eyes but I sure do like the lines of the 23 Seacraft better. Still waiting to ride on one though...(hint, hint)

3) Everyday dream boat.....CONCH 27 with twin 250 Yamis. I've been on one of these and it is a balls to the walls fishing machine and it looks pretty good too. Plus, it is made here in Massachusetts by good ole Yankee craftsmen. Gotta support the local economy.

4) Dream, dream (honey, I hit the lottery) boat...
CUSTOM MADE 45' Carolina style sportfisherman. Ya know....the stuff you drool over at the mucky-mucky docks like those in Nantucket. None of the production crap for me. And the the only catch is.....if the builder wants my $2 million or so, he has to let me work with the crew and help build the boat. This way....you learn everything about your boat and you're assured that everything is done right

Did I hear someone say powerball??

[Ed]

One other thing.....

did anyone read the latest issue of SWS where a guy tells a story about how he fished 80 miles offshore of San Diego in an old Mako 19???? Sounds like an adventure but I think the guy has been sniffing too much resin.